Following An Abdominoplasty

  • You may go home with a drain which will be removed 3-5 days after the surgery. It is easier to carry around if you place it in a small plastic bag.
  • Whilst in bed use 2 – 3 pillows under your knees, this will help to take the strain off your abdominal muscles.
  • Your pressure garment should be worn day and night for 4 weeks. This may be removed for washing purposes for short periods.
  • If you have any pain take Paracetamol. Avoid aspirin or medication containing aspirin as it can cause bleeding.
  • Recommence your usual medication the day after your surgery unless advised otherwise. You may take Arnica tablets if you wish, they will help with bruising and returning nerve sensations.
  • If you find it uncomfortable to laugh or cough, support your scar with a folded towel held against your tummy.
  • We expect the area around your scar to be swollen and bruised. The swelling can take up to 3 – 6 months to dissipate. This is normal but it may be less for you.
  • You may shower. Please pat your dressings dry and reduce dampness using a blow dryer for a short period on a warm (not hot) setting. Please take care, as you will have reduced sensation at this stage.
  • You should try to rest as much as possible. However, daily gentle exercise (walking around the house hourly) is important and will reduce your chance of a thrombosis.
  • You may recommence swimming, aerobics and so on 4 – 6 weeks after your surgery as long as the wound has healed fully. Until then you should avoid anything that increases your blood pressure (including sex).
  • Your scars will improve within a month of your surgery. They may then become a little more pink and noticeable, even red and lumpy temporarily before they improve. Scars can stay pink for up to 9 – 12 months before they fade properly. Our Practice Nurse will discuss how to minimise the scaring with you. You should protect the scars from sunlight or any UV light until they have completely faded by applying a total sun block.
  • A follow up appointment will be made for you for 5 and 10 days after your surgery.

During office hours you are welcome to telephone or visit our Nurses, at the consulting rooms. Please call prior to a visit on 020 7079 0050.

If you have any queries out of hours please do not hesitate to contact David Ross via Matron’s Office at The London Clinic on 020 7935 4444.

Correspondence Address:Plastic Surgery W1 LtdNHS Consultancy:

Suite 1email: ept of Plastic Surgery

14 Queen Anne StreetRegistered office: 46 Moray Place EdinburghSt Thomas’ Hospital

London W1G 9LGRegistered No: 234223 ScotlandLondon SE1 7EH